Composite Solar Cell Spectroscopic Light Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells combining perovskite-type and other photoelectric conversion elements do not effectively utilize long-wavelength light, leading to inefficiencies and potential heat-related degradation issues.
Innovation Solution
A composite solar cell design incorporating a perovskite-type photoelectric conversion element and a second element with a narrower bandgap, utilizing a spectroscopic element to direct short-wavelength light to the perovskite element and long-wavelength light to the narrower bandgap element, thereby optimizing light utilization and reducing heat exposure on the perovskite element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a perovskite solar cell is used to achieve low-cost and high-efficiency photoelectric conversion, then conversion efficiency is improved, but the cell cannot effectively utilize long-wavelength light (wavelengths greater than 800 nm), leading to loss of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell system is segmented into two distinct photoelectric conversion elements: a perovskite element for short-wavelength light and a silicon element for long-wavelength light. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in converting specific wavelength ranges, with the perovskite element handling 300-800nm light and the silicon element handling 800nm+ light, thereby eliminating energy loss from unused long-wavelength light while maintaining high overall conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer vertical stack to a spatially separated dual-element configuration. Instead of stacking elements vertically where current matching is required, the perovskite and silicon elements are positioned separately with independent electrical connections, adding a spatial dimension that eliminates the photocurrent matching constraint and allows each element to operate independently at optimal efficiency
2Loss of energy
If multiple photoelectric conversion elements are stacked in series to form a tandem solar cell to utilize different wavelength ranges, then energy utilization is improved, but photocurrent matching between elements becomes difficult to achieve, reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tandem structure is segmented into independently connected photoelectric conversion elements. Rather than forcing series connection with current matching, each element (perovskite and silicon) is electrically connected independently to the load, allowing each to generate its own optimal photocurrent based on its spectral response without constraining the other
Solution Approach 2:
A wavelength-selective reflection film acts as an intermediary between the perovskite and silicon elements. This film reflects long-wavelength light (800nm+) that passes through the perovskite element toward the silicon element, while allowing short-wavelength light to pass through to the perovskite element, thereby mediating the light distribution to optimize each element's performance without requiring current matching
3Productivity
If a perovskite solar cell absorbs short-wavelength light to achieve high conversion efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but the perovskite material is exposed to excessive heat from absorbed light, causing thermal degradation and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful long-wavelength light component (800nm+) that would contribute to heat generation is extracted from the light path before reaching the perovskite element. The wavelength-selective reflection film removes this portion of the spectrum, allowing the perovskite element to absorb only beneficial short-wavelength light for efficient conversion while minimizing thermal load and associated degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously wasted long-wavelength light into a beneficial component by directing it to the silicon element for productive photoelectric conversion. Instead of allowing this light to pass through unused or contribute to heat generation in the perovskite element, it is redirected to where it can be effectively utilized, turning a harmful thermal effect into a useful energy conversion opportunity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances solar cell efficiency by effectively using a broader range of light wavelengths and reduces thermal degradation of the perovskite element, leading to improved reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
A composite solar cell including a spectroscopic element, a first photoelectric conversion element, and a second photoelectric conversion element... The first photoelectric conversion element is provided at a position in a first direction of the spectroscopic element. The second photoelectric conversion element is provided at a position in a second direction of the spectroscopic element.
Implementation Method 2
A perovskite crystal material exhibits a spectral sensitivity characteristic that is dramatically reduced at a wavelength of 800 nm, and thus absorbs little infrared light having wavelengths greater than 800 nm.
Implementation Method 3
A solar cell utilizing an organic metal perovskite crystal material (perovskite solar cell) can provide a high conversion efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite solar cell comprises a spectroscopic element, a first photoelectric conversion element, and a second photoelectric conversion element. The first photoelectric conversion element is positioned in a first direction of the spectroscopic element and the second photoelectric conversion element is positioned in a second direction of the spectroscopic element. The first photoelectric conversion element is a perovskite-type photoelectric conversion element containing, in a light absorbing layer, a perovskite crystal structure material represented by a general formula R1NH3M1X3. A band gap of a light absorbing layer of the second photoelectric conversion element is narrower than the band gap of the light absorbing layer of the first photoelectric conversion element. The spectroscopic element preferentially outputs the short wavelength light of the incident light in the first direction and preferentially outputs the long wavelength light of the incident light in the second direction.